Review: Mokuhankan 'Print Parties'

Start with the big picture.
Located a short stroll from the Senso-ji temple, Mokuhankan Print Parties, craft sessions with professional artists, are the perfect way to break up a day of walking around the atmospheric side streets of Asakusa. Over the course of an hour, kids will learn about the ancient technique of ukiyo-e, or woodblock printing. Pre-carved blocks mean that even tiny hands can make a masterpiece for the refrigerator back home. Booking ahead isn’t essential, but it only takes a minute and guarantees that there won’t be a wait when you show up. Group sizes vary, but they're never large enough to get too crazy.

What's the usual crowd like?
These workshops may be mostly geared toward kids, but that doesn’t mean you won’t see a few adult couples breaking the dinner-and-a-movie date routine. Since there's no walking involved, travelers with mobility issues can fully partake.

Tell us about the guide. How do they do?
An accomplished artist in his own right, Dave Bull is well-known for his instructional online videos and his Ukiyo-e Heroes woodblock print series, which depicts classic videogame characters. He’s also a skilled teacher adept at keeping even fussy children enthralled. In order to stick to the workshop’s tight timeframe, the team moves through instructions quickly, but will always pause to offer one-on-one advice if a child is struggling to get the hang of the technique.

Anything you can't stop thinking about after the fact?
All of the staff here are artists who are as passionate about spreading the word about ukiyo-e as they are about practicing their own craft. Their enthusiasm is infectious and the level of technical ability on display is impressive. One of their professional prints makes for an excellent souvenir or gift.

Anything else we should know before planning to book a spot?
At ¥2,000 (about $18) per person or ¥5,000 (about $45) for a family of four, these workshops offer great value for anyone who wants a little extra insight into Japanese culture. Don’t be surprised if the older siblings—or parents—in your group end up having as much fun as the little ones. Especially since it’s a low time commitment, a woodblock printing workshop is easy to squeeze into a day full of sightseeing.